Lawrence, Leary named in QAS Emerging Squads

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The Queensland Rugby League’s successful QAS program will undergo a transformation next year, with the revamping of the junior development squad and an expansion of the existing Emerging Origin Squad.

The Queensland State of Origin Emerging Squad (formerly referred to as the senior Emerging Squad) will grow from 14 to 18 players in 2015; while the Emerging Maroons Squad will take the place of the Junior Emerging Squad.

Consisting of a mix of eligible Under 20 players, recent NYC graduates and players with both second-tier (Intrust Super Cup) and NRL experience – this new squad represents a broadening of the talent that can be found in Queensland and will provide yet another pathway opportunity for players.

Blake Leary (Manly Sea Eagles), Shaun Nona (Melbourne Storm), Javid Bowen and Patrick Kaufusi (both North Queensland Cowboys) were all part the NRL State Championship winning Northern Pride team this year; while Storm / Easts duo Cameron Munster and Hymel Hunt both played for the Tigers in the loss to the Pride in the Queensland final.

Having performed consistently for a number of seasons as part of the North Queensland Cowboys back row; Gavin Cooper has been given his first opportunity to take part in the Queensland State of Origin Emerging Squad helmed by QAS rugby league director Wayne Bennett and current XXXX Maroons coach Mal Meninga.

He will be joined by fellow debutants Tim Glasby (Melbourne / Easts), Corey Thompson (Bulldogs), Tautau Moga (Cowboys), Brisbane halfback and new Kangaroo Ben Hunt and NRL grand final winning Rabbitoh Dave Tyrrell as the new faces in the senior program.

Both training camps will take place at the Queensland Academy of Sport in January next year.